Churches and Abbeys

From the fifth century until today, the role played by the abbeys and churches of Normandy has been significant, not only spiritually, intellectually and artistically, but also politically and economically. At the height of their glory there were one hundred and twenty in the region, and with their incomparable beauty and magnificence, the sixty which have survived the centuries represent a priceless architectural heritage.

Abbeys and churches

Two religious orders were of equal importance in Normandy: the Benedictines, who followed the rule of Saint Benedict (with monasteries at Fécamp, Lessay, Lonlay, and Mont-Saint-Michel) and the "Prémontrés" monks, whose rule is attributed to Saint Augustine (monasteries at Ardenne and La Lucerne).

Finally, some have become splendid town halls, such as that in Caen, in the former Abbaye aux Hommes, founded by William the Conqueror, or that of Rouen which was dedicated to Saint-Ouen.

Norman style

An exceptional heritage

With its numerous abbeys, cathedrals, collegiate churches or simple country churches, and magnificent stained glass windows in such numbers that together they constitute one of the largest glazed areas in France, Normandy is one of France's richest regions in terms of religious art.